Additional letter of invitation from classmates, friends or relative. Indicate if they can provide accommodation during your stay in Australia.

Itinerary: Mapua World 2015 activities plus other tours and activities you plan to do while in Australia

Current Employment (certificate of employment)

Incentive and authority to return to home country

letter from employer stating that you will continue to perform your duties after the approved leave of absence

evidence of enrolment at school in home country

evidence of immediate family members in home country

evidence of visa or residence status in home country and right to return

evidence of property or other significant assets owned in home country

Visa Applicants under the age of 18 years of age:

A ‘Consent to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18 years’ (form 1229) must be completed where children under 18 years of age intend to travel to Australia, without an accompanying parent or parents. See http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1229.pdf

Deciding which month to hold MW2015 was no mean feat because Sydney is a place you would not want to leave no matter the season. But spring is always a lovely time in Sydney (and Australia, in general) and here down under, spring starts on the 1st of September. Spring is normally the driest season in Sydney and September boasts of very comfortable sunny days with temperature averaging at 20ᵒC (68ᵒF). Evenings are a bit cooler at 10ᵒC (50ᵒF). The Sydney Olympics Games 2000 were held in September to take advantage of such a pleasant weather.

The MW2015 Committee consulted with Business Events Sydney (BES), a not-for-profit partnership between the New South Wales Government and the private sector and which is responsible for promoting Sydney as a business events destination. BES advised that being a few months away from the busy Christmas season gives September the advantage of lower airfare and cheaper local travel and accommodation. Also, September is the month of festivities with flower shows, free outdoor art exhibitions, cultural festivals and a rich selection of theatrical performances, just to name a few. In fact, a walk in any of the numerous city parks is exhilarating enough.

While the mid September schedule is too early for a number of attendees who may be planning to take side travels to neighbouring countries via ocean cruise which usually starts in October, local tourist and scenic spots are truly worthwhile alternatives. Australia is the only continent nation in the world and its vast breathtaking natural landscapes with unique flora and fauna are hard to pass up if you are a seasoned traveller.

By now most of you have gone back to work, trying to shake off the jetlag and probably have difficulty remembering the delegate you met in Sydney. I have never met a lot of ex-Mapuans in my life, let alone make so many friends in 4 days but this event has given me the opportunity to feel the true spirit of MapuaWorld by renewing old bonds, forming new friendships, establishing communication networks and above all, enjoying each other’s company and having great fun just like the good old days.

We hope that by hosting this great event, Mapua Alumni Australia now has a special place in everyone's heart.

We thank you all for the great support, the friendship, the laughter, the cherished memories. We shall remember these for a long time, at least until the next MapuaWorld.